Traveling to Patagonia and craving a close-up encounter with one of its most iconic sights? This Blue Safari tour offers an immersive experience around the Perito Moreno Glacier, combining boat navigation, nature hikes, and scenic walkways. Priced at $310 per person and lasting between 3 to 8 hours, it’s a flexible option for those eager to see the glacier from multiple perspectives.

What we love about this experience is how it balances adventure and comfort—you get to sail right up to the icy walls, walk through lush forests with spectacular views, and still have time to explore the famous glacier walkways. The small group setting (limited to 10 participants) ensures guides can give personalized attention, making it feel more like a day with friends than a crowded tour.

A possible consideration is the price, which might seem high to some, especially since park entry isn’t included. But when you factor in the private boat, guided hike, and walkways access, the value rises, especially for those wanting a well-rounded, memorable day.

This tour suits nature lovers, adventure seekers, and first-time visitors to El Calafate who want to experience the glacier from different angles—on water, on foot, and from panoramic viewpoints. If you prefer a more relaxed day or are traveling with very young children, you might want to consider other options or combine this with a more leisurely activity.

Key Points

Multi-sensory experience: Combines boat rides, hikes, and panoramic walks.
**Expert guides****: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with fascinating insights.
Close proximity to ice: Sailers get within meters of the glacier’s impressive walls.
Flexible options: Tours range from 3 to 8 hours, with or without transfer.
Authentic connection: Walks in Patagonian forests and views from walkways provide genuine natural encounters.
Value: Includes most highlights but park entrance is extra.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Blue Safari Tour

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The Itinerary: What to Expect Each Step of the Way

The Blue Safari tour kicks off in El Calafate, a small town that serves as the gateway to Los Glaciares National Park. If you opt for the transfer option, your pick-up from your hotel or accommodation makes the start smooth and comfortable. If not, you’ll need to make your way to Puerto Bajo las Sombras, just 7 km from the glacier walkways. This is a quick, scenic drive through the patagonian steppe—a landscape that’s as starkly beautiful as the glacier itself.

Once at the port, you’ll board a boat for a 20-minute crossing across Brazo Rico of Lake Argentino. This is where the magic begins. Surrounded by dramatic scenery, the boat ride offers your first close-up view of the glacier’s massive ice walls looming overhead. Many travelers have praised this part; one reviewer called it “spectacular,” emphasizing how the boat’s proximity allows for a more intimate experience with the glacier’s textures and colors.

Disembarking on the opposite shore, you’ll lace up your trekking shoes for a 1.5 km guided hike along nature trails bordering the lake and through lush forests. During this walk, you’ll get sweeping views of the south face of Perito Moreno, with its shades of blue and white, and watch for ice slides—a dynamic reminder of the glacier’s slow but constant movement. Several reviews highlight the guides’ expertise here, sharing fascinating facts about how the glacier formed and its ongoing evolution.

The highlight of the hike is standing just meters away from the glacier itself—an awe-inspiring sight that’s difficult to describe. Standing so close to this ice giant with its whimsical shapes and mesmerizing colors, you’ll understand why visitors come from all over the world.

Post-hike, you’ll return to the boat for a second navigation, this time to view the south face of the glacier from the water. This perspective reveals a different dimension—textures, crevasses, and ice formations that aren’t visible from land or walkways. Many travelers find this viewing experience to be a highlight, with one reviewer calling it “breathtaking.”

Exploring the Glacier Walkways

If you have booked the with-transfer option, you’ll be taken to the famous glacier walkways afterward—where you’ll have roughly 2 hours to explore at your own pace. These walkways offer several viewpoints from different heights and angles, allowing you to soak in the scale and beauty of the glacier. As one reviewer noted, the views are “unparalleled,” making it a favorite part of the day.

You are free to spend as much time as you’d like here before returning to El Calafate. If you prefer to visit on your own, arriving early is recommended to maximize your time. Those who chose to explore the walkways loved how close and accessible the glacier is from this vantage point.

What’s Not Included

Keep in mind, park entry fees are separate and need to be paid on arrival. Food and drinks aren’t included, so bringing snacks, water, and perhaps a thermos of warm tea is advisable—especially if you plan to stay long on the walkways.

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Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous travelers who love being outdoors, as well as those wanting a comprehensive glacier experience. The small group size ensures that guides can personalize your journey, sharing fascinating facts that make the landscape come alive. It also appeals to travelers who want to maximize their time at Perito Moreno with a mix of water, land, and panoramic views.

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The Practicalities: Transportation, Duration, and Cost

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, but shorter options are available, which might suit travelers with tight schedules. The price of $310 may seem steep at first glance, but considering the boat rides, guided hikes, and walkways access, it offers good value—especially with small group sizes and expert guides.

If you include the optional transfer, the journey from your hotel in El Calafate is made comfortable, easing the logistics of getting to and from the park. Without transfer, you’ll need to arrive at Puerto Bajo las Sombras early in your day—a manageable task if you’re staying nearby.

What to Wear and Bring

Weather in Patagonia can change quickly. We recommend comfortable, waterproof clothing, sturdy trekking shoes, and layers. Accessories like gloves, sunscreen, and a hat will help you stay comfortable. Bring food and drinks, as there’s no meal included, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you want a fuller picture of Perito Moreno, this tour excels. It’s especially suited for nature enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of active and scenic experiences. The expert guides make a difference, enriching your understanding of the glacier’s features and natural environment. The proximity to the ice and the variety of viewpoints ensure you’ll leave with lasting memories.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed or budget-focused trip, you might consider simpler options, or visiting the park independently to cut costs. The price and the full-day commitment might be a consideration for travelers with limited time or budget constraints.

Overall, the Blue Safari offers an engaging, detailed, and memorable way to experience one of Patagonia’s most incredible natural wonders. It’s a carefully curated adventure that balances spectacular scenery with educational insight, making it well worth the investment for those who want to see the glacier from every possible angle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children ages 6 and up are allowed, making it a family-friendly option. Just ensure they’re comfortable with outdoor activities and boat rides.

How long is the boat crossing?
The boat crosses the Brazo Rico of Lake Argentino in about 20 minutes for each trip, giving you a close-up view of the glacier’s walls.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes transfers (if booked), exclusive navigation, a guided hike, a boat exploration of the glacier, and access to the glacier walkways. Park entrance fees are not included.

Can I choose the tour duration?
Yes, the duration varies from 3 to 8 hours—check availability for specific start times that fit your schedule.

Do I need to bring my own food?
Yes, food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks, water, and possibly a thermos is recommended for the day.

What should I wear?
Dress in warm, waterproof clothing, with trekking shoes, gloves, and sunscreen. Weather can be unpredictable, so layer accordingly.

Is the tour guided in English and Spanish?
Yes, guides speak both languages, ensuring clear explanations regardless of your preferred language.

Is park entry fee included?
No, it must be paid separately upon arrival at Los Glaciares National Park.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 10 participants, providing a more personalized experience.

To sum it up, the Blue Safari tour at Perito Moreno offers a captivating blend of boat rides, guided hikes, and panoramic views. It’s ideal for those wanting an active, multifaceted glacier experience with knowledgeable guides and a small-group atmosphere. While it requires a full day and has a higher price point, the variety and quality of the experiences make it a great choice for travelers eager to see one of Patagonia’s most spectacular sights from every angle.